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What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.